• Commercial and business areas should not adversely impact adjacent neighborhoods. Screening and buffering should be promoted between commercial and residential areas, including landscaping and attractive fencing. Commercial traffic and parking should not “spill over” into adjacent neighborhoods.
• New commercial and business development should be of a size and scale compatible with the established image and character of Oakwood. Commercial and business development should be characterized by the highest possible standards of design and construction.
• Multi-family residential development has already occurred in several blocks adjacent to the existing commercial areas, and more should be considered in the future. These locations can be quite convenient and desirable for many residents, particularly those who are elderly or less mobile. Multi-family development can provide a market for many stores and businesses, and also provide a transition between the commercial and single-family neighborhoods.
• A comprehensive study should be undertaken of the commercial and business uses now located within the City of Oakwood. The study should determine the uses and activities that are underrepresented within the community at the present time. Based on this study, the City should develop a strategy to help attract new commercial and business uses that would help further support local residents and businesses.

The Far Hills Business District is Oakwood’s primary shopping and business area. It is the traditional commercial and service focal point for the City and the district contains a range of retail, service, and office uses.

The Land-Use Plan strives to strengthen and enhance the character and role of the Far Hills Business District. It should be maintained as Oakwood’s multi-purpose commercial and business area. The Far Hills Business District should remain unique in terms of its pedestrian orientation and the range of businesses, services and other activities it offers to the community.

While a number of improvements have been undertaken within the Far Hills Business District, additional projects should be considered to further enhance the appearance and pedestrian orientation of this key commercial area. For example, this might include façade improvements, more design compatibility between buildings within the same block, and the landscaping of parking areas.

The image and appearance of the public rights-of-way should also be enhanced, including additional landscaping, pedestrian lighting, signage, crosswalks, seating areas, and other pedestrian amenities. In particular, streetscape treatment along the west side of Far Hills, in the blocks south of Dell Park, should be upgraded.

Several actions could be considered to improve parking conditions within the Far Hills business area:

1. Several existing lots would benefit from layout and striping improvements to improve parking efficiency.
2. The use of directional signage to identify the location of off-street parking facilities.
3. Visual enhancement of parking facilities through additional landscaping, fencing and light fixtures.
4. Advising employees to use designated off-street spaces, thus freeing up more conveniently located on-street spaces for shoppers and business patrons.